Goddard Center Director Remarks on Passing of Neil Gehrels
“Throughout his success, Neil always found time to share his achievements with others. Following in the footsteps of his father, an astronomer who helped dissident scientists during the Cold War, Neil and his family were active volunteers in disadvantaged communities around Goddard. In 2005, he helped develop an internship program that allowed local high school students with hardships to work in his labs. “Neil leaves behind a legacy only he could have created, and words cannot adequately express our grief for this great loss.”
Today, we lost Neil Gehrels, a truly excellent #NASA astrophysicist at @NASAGoddard, a space geek & a climber! @gehrelsn, we will miss you! pic.twitter.com/Kw7yozsoDM
— Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) February 7, 2017
That’s awful! Neil had a big heart and was always kind toward me and generous with his time. I will miss him.
Neil was a superstar astrophysicist and excellent mountaineer. I was privileged to climb with him alongside a former head of SMD. He loved talking science especially at high altitude. Best wishes to his family. Godspeed, Neil.
I worked with Neil many years ago in the Integral mission. He was a brilliant scientist, a dedicated civil servant and a real sweetheart of a guy. NASA lost a great team member. What a huge loss.